Three people were shot and killed in Lisbon’s Penha de Franca district on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The victims, two men and a woman, were targeted in broad daylight, raising concerns about rising violent crime in a city known for its safety. The suspects, described as three men, fled the scene on foot, prompting a police investigation.

The shooting occurred around 1:25 PM local time, with reports indicating that the victims were shot both inside and outside a barbershop. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the assailants fled towards the nearby Santa Apolónia train station.

Local authorities confirmed that the victims were well-known in the neighborhood. One of the deceased was a 43-year-old barber, well known in the community, who had operated his barbershop for over a decade.

Portugal has long been regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, ranking seventh on the Global Peace Index. However, recent statistics indicate a troubling rise in violent crime, with a reported increase of 5.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This incident marks a significant escalation in violence, particularly in the greater Lisbon area, where over a third of violent crimes occur.